UCC Announces 22 Filmmakers For Content Development Support Programme 2026

• The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) unveiled 22 beneficiaries of its third Content Development Support Programme (CDSP) at a recent stakeholder breakfast.
• A total of UGX 1.3 billion was awarded to these filmmakers for the development and production of high-quality Ugandan audiovisual content.
• The CDSP supports projects across five categories: Animation, Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries, and TV Drama Series.
• The event followed the 13th Uganda Film Festival, which saw 299 local films submitted for the 2025/26 cycle.
• UCC's support for the film industry is part of its mandate under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, aiming to foster cultural expression, job creation, and economic growth.

The Uganda Communications Commission's steadfast commitment to developing the creative sector is explicitly mandated under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, positioning the UCC audiovisual content development efforts as a key regulatory function.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) recently convened a Post-Uganda Film Festival (UFF) CEO and Stakeholder Breakfast in Kampala, held at UCC House. This gathering, which took place last week from September 23, 2026, served multiple purposes: to acknowledge the ongoing support from various partners within the sector, to announce the recipients of the third iteration of the UCC Content Development Support Programme 2026, and to foster further growth and collaboration within Uganda's burgeoning film industry. Distinguished leaders from across the creative sector and government were present, including MultiChoice Uganda Managing Director Hassan Saleh, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu, Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa, and Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kaggwa.

A central highlight of the event was the official unveiling of 22 filmmakers who will receive Uganda Communications Commission film funding through the Content Development Support Programme (CDSP). These beneficiaries were awarded a collective sum of UGX 1.3 billion, designated to advance their audiovisual projects. The breakfast also provided an opportunity to reflect on the success of the 13th Uganda Film Festival, whose awards gala was held on August 28, 2026, at the UICT grounds in Nakawa. Notable films recognized at the festival included "Adui," "You May Kiss the Bride Goodbye," "Small Gods," and "Damalie," chosen from 299 local films submitted for the 2025/26 cycle.

The Content Development Support Programme (CDSP) stands as a cornerstone initiative for the Uganda Communications Commission, specifically designed to bolster the creation and production of high-quality Ugandan audiovisual content. Now in its third cycle, this program offers Uganda film industry grants to competitively selected projects across five distinct categories: Animation, Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries, and TV Drama Series. A specialized six-member panel, comprising respected industry figures such as Mathew Nabwiso, Mariam Ndagire, Godfrey Musinguzi, Dorcus Namajja, Brian Mulondo, Local Content Marketing Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, and Cindy Magara, was responsible for the rigorous selection process of the 22 CDSP Uganda filmmakers.

The overarching aim of the CDSP is to empower filmmakers to transition their creative concepts into finished productions, thereby nurturing a robust, competitive, and sustainable creative industry rooted in authentic Ugandan narratives. Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, emphasized that the financial assistance provided through the program represents a direct investment by the people of Uganda into the nation's creative talent. He congratulated the beneficiaries on navigating a highly competitive selection process, expressing anticipation for productions that not only entertain but also exemplify excellence, professionalism, and deliver significant value.

The Uganda Communications Commission's steadfast commitment to developing the creative sector is explicitly mandated under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, positioning the UCC audiovisual content development efforts as a key regulatory function. Executive Director Nyombi Thembo underscored the growing local demand for Ugandan-produced content, identifying this trend as a crucial opportunity for the expansion of the Uganda film industry. He highlighted film's multifaceted role, not merely as entertainment, but as a vital instrument for cultural expression, forging national identity, generating employment, and stimulating economic growth, particularly for the country's youth demographic.

The UCC's engagement with the film sector dates back to 2013, when it initiated the Uganda Film Festival with the strategic objective of establishing a dynamic and enduring local film industry. This industry, envisioned by the UCC, would possess the capacity to compete effectively both regionally and on the international stage. Thembo also extended gratitude to various partners, including MultiChoice Uganda, MTN Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Airtel Uganda, StarTimes, and Citi Bank, whose consistent support has been instrumental in the growth of Uganda's creative landscape.

Lawyers advising clients in Uganda's creative and audiovisual content industries should be aware of the Uganda Communications Commission's (UCC) Content Development Support Programme as a significant source of government funding and a key initiative under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013. This indicates active regulatory involvement in content development, which could influence compliance strategies and future policy.

Source: Original reporting based on industry event coverage.